Albertans are encouraged to support one another during this time of financial uncertainty, with a new provincial campaign zeroing in on Alberta's agriculture producers and processors.
The Government of Alberta has launched the 'Buy Local' campaign to promote the province's homegrown goods.
It's being led by Alberta's Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ SIgurdson, who is also the MLA for Highwood.
Sigurdson sateted he's pleased that Alberta's agriculture industry hasn't been targetted by tariffs, and said the provincial government will continue to advocate for Alberta agriculture.
"Now more than ever, we must come together as a community, as a province, and as a country to support Canadian agriculture. When you gather with your family and friends, please start a conversation about how important it is for us to support our local farmers," said Sigurdson during the April 14 announcement. "The strength of our province lies in the ability for us to come together to ensure that our local industries thrive. Every decision to buy local and every purchase you make helps keep Alberta strong, it helps protect jobs in the province, and it helps protect our economy."
That includes through the 'Made in Alberta' program that was launched in 2023, wherein producers can opt-in to have their products labelled as Alberta-made.
When asked for clarification, Sigurdson stated that the program will remain voluntary.
"That allows producers to make the decision on whether they want to partake in the program and that labelling. Of course, we are encouraging producers and processors to take a look at the opportunities through this program to help clearly identify to consumers that these products are sourced and manufactured right here in our great province of Alberta."
The program is being launched in the early spring, just ahead of the busiest time of year for farmers' markets.
The province estimates over 150 farmers' markets are to be held across the province this summer.
The Province also has a Made in Alberta product catalogue available online.